Chicken Tacos is a quick way to get your midweek taco fix! Shredded Mexican chicken that comes with its own sauce, a homemade chicken taco seasoning does double duty to flavour the chicken AND make the taco sauce.
This is an easy chicken taco recipe loaded with big, punchy Mexican flavours. No marinating, no fussing with a separate sauce, no need to go overboard with toppings. The only question is – soft tortillas or old school taco shells?? 🤔
Chicken Tacos
This Chicken Taco recipe is intended to be a QUICK recipe with a 2-in-1 chicken plus taco sauce so there’s no need to make a separate sauce.
Tacos always seem to be pitched as a quick ‘n easy dinner. Though cooking the meat might be fast, we need to factor in the extra time to make all the taco fixings: pico de Gallo, guacamole or Avocado Sauce, pickled cabbage, taco sauce, cheese sauce…..
We’re bypassing all of that with this Chicken Taco recipe. Because the chicken is flavoured generously and comes with a sauce, this means:
✅ No need to make a separate sauce of any kind. But if you’re so inclined, dig deep to find the strength to pull a tub of sour cream from the fridge….
✅ Taco toppings can be kept simple. I chopped a tomato, onion, lettuce and onion.
BUT having said that, nobody ever complains about too many taco topping options, so don’t let me hold you back!!
This is a 2-1 chicken taco filling PLUS taco sauce recipe!
Chicken Taco Seasoning
Here’s what goes in my quick chicken tacos:
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simple homemade Chicken taco seasoning – made with cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and oregano, the same taco seasoning I use for Beef Tacos and Quesadillas. There’s quite a lot, but we need it because it’s used to season the chicken AND make the sauce. Add cayenne pepper for a hit spiciness;
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garlic – it goes in everything around here!
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lime juice – loads of sub options here – the main purpose is to turn the spices into a loose paste to coat the chicken. Orange juice or another fruit juice is an excellent sub, lemon juice or even water;
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chicken – boneless skinless chicken thighs is always my first choice because it’s so much juicier than breast with just a fraction more calories;
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chicken broth/liquid stock and tomato paste – to make the sauce.
The chicken taco seasoning does double duty to flavour the chicken AND the taco sauce
How to make Chicken Tacos
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Coat chicken in taco seasoning rub. No need to marinate – it adds little to this recipe because we’re shredding the chicken
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Sear and shred – or chop. I like to shred because the chicken strands hold more sauce = juicier eating experience 😂
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Into the same pan, add broth and tomato paste. Scrape and simmer, toss chicken back in;
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Stuff into taco shells and devour.
Because this is by no means an authentic Mexican chicken recipe, being that the seasoning is a total copycat of Old El Paso (minus preservatives and artificial flavours), the stuffing vehicle of choice here is good ole crispy corn taco shells. You won’t see them anywhere in Mexico…. but we love them anyway!
Today’s Chicken Taco recipe is the quicker version of this Mexican Shredded Chicken which is made with a Chipotles in Adobo based sauce, and does not require marinating like this Mexican Grilled Chicken Tacos (a homestyle version of Sinaloa Chicken, a traditional Mexican recipe).
There’s room for all 3 tacos in my life, but today’s recipe is the one I make most often because I don’t need to plan for it. I usually have all the spices and other ingredients (because taco shells – crispy or otherwise – can always be found somewhere in the dark depths of my pantry), toppings are adaptable and it’s high returns for low effort.
You know I’m a big fan of these type of recipes! – Nagi x
In the mood for Mexican?
I have a few here around here…. just a few… 😂😂
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Beef tacos – old school ground Beef Tacos or slow cooked Mexican Shredded Beef
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Other Chicken tacos – Mexican Shredded Chicken and Marinated Grilled Chicken
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Mexican Pulled Pork – Pork Carnitas, big reader fave!
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Fish Tacos – marinated and grilled (also try this same recipe with prawns/shrimp)
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Taco fixings – pico de Gallo, Salsa sauce, guacamole or Avocado Sauce, pickled cabbage, taco sauce, cheese sauce
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Browse all Mexican recipes
Also, don’t miss Mexican Fiesta – a fiesta menu, starters, mains, sides and dessert!
Chicken tacos recipe
Watch how to make it
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Quick Chicken Tacos - WITH sauce!
Ingredients
- 700 g / 1.2 lb chicken thighs , skinless boneless (or breast)
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 cup (250ml) chicken broth, separated (liquid stock)
HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING:
- 3 tbsp lime juice (Note 1)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves , minced
- 2 tsp EACH garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano
- 3 tsp EACH cumin powder, paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust spiciness to taste, can skip)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
To serve:
- Taco shells or tortillas , warmed per packet directions
- Diced tomato , onion, avocado, coriander/cilantro leaves
- Shredded lettuce
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Place Taco Seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Add 2 tbsp of the chicken broth and mix to form a loose paste.
- Add chicken, turn to coat.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook chicken for 3 minutes on each side until lightly seared. (Reserve marinade dregs in bowl)
- Remove chicken into a shallow dish.
- Return skillet to stove, reduce to medium. Add remaining chicken broth, tomato paste, sugar and scrape in any marinade left in the bowl. Mix to dissolve, scraping base of pan, and bring to simmer
- Meanwhile, shred chicken with forks, or chop (don't worry if raw inside).
- Return chicken into sauce, toss and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce reduces to a thin syrup consistency (add water if reduces too fast). Adjust salt to taste.
- Transfer chicken and all sauce to serving bowl.
Serving:
- Warm taco shells or tortillas.
- Stuff with chicken, making sure it's soaked with the sauce.
- Top with tomato, avocado, onion, coriander, lettuce and sour cream. Devour!
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Life of Dozer
Dozer with his friends and a lady in black (yours truly! 😂). Between all the cooking/shooting/filming and Dozer, there is not much white in my wardrobe…..
Hi Nagi! This recipe is AMAZING! The whole family loved it! One note about the written recipe vs the video, the written recipe doesn’t say to add the leftover marinade to the skillet with the broth, tomato paste, and sugar. I’m glad I watched the video because I think it adds so much flavor! Thank you for your wonderful recipes!
Thanks for picking that up Jill, I’ll fix it now – N x
Nagi, I made these tacos last and they were a great hit and so easy to make. I have made lots of your recipes and the family love all of them. The tacos were yum, yum!!
Awesome Angela!
Hi Nagi!!! I’m writing from Mexico City. I’m a huge fan of your cooking and recipies!!! I’ve done many, including the Carnitas. But this time I really don’t agree with this one being Mexican tacos. Here in Mexico, we would never, ever use those hard tortillas, and the chicken filling is not how we would cook it. I haven´t done it, but it could be Tex-Mex cuisine. All my best wishes for you and Dozer (who I really love!) from the other side of the world!!!
Hi Cristina, you’re absolutely right, I even speak about this in the blog post that by no means an authentic Mexican chicken recipe ☺️
PS I really need to come back soon, I LOOOOOOVE real Mexican food. I went a little bonkers with all the amazing food! N xx
If you come back, let me know!! I’d love to meet you!!!!
Hi Cristina! I know it’s 100% NOT authentic Mexican! I even said this “Because this is by no means an authentic Mexican chicken recipe, being that the seasoning is a total copycat of Old El Paso (minus preservatives and artificial flavours), the stuffing vehicle of choice here is good ole crispy corn taco shells. You won’t see them anywhere in Mexico…. but we love them anyway!”
I have cooked so many of your recipes so I thought it was about time to leave a comment. Cooked this tonight absolutely beautiful, full of flavour. I love reading through your recipes and trying them out.
Thanks so much Michelle, I appreciate the feedback!
Can l use sheared chicken, that l poached already, love everything 💕
I look forward to trying your Quick Chicken Tacos! I’m always on the lookout for tasty chicken recipes.
Also; I enjoyed your pictures of Dozer on vacation! Dozer is Awesome just like his Mama! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much Caryn, I hope you love the tacos!
Honestly the best tacos I’ve ever had that weren’t from a restaurant… taco seasoning was on point although I did add a tsp if chipotle chilli powder. Was great with sour cream, Tabasco, lettuce and a mix of fresh tomato, avocado and onion with lime juice! Will definitely make this again
Sounds great Luke!
Hey, I’d love to make this happen tonight but I don’t have paprika and I’m too lazy to go to the store. Any work arounds? This looks amazing!!
Have you got chili powder? As in – US / Canadian chili powder, NOT pure ground chillies! If so, just use that instead. If you don’t have that, just add a touch more of everything else!
This was AMAZING .. family went crazy for it. The lime is the chicken was sooo delicious. Thank you, Nagi for another stunning recipe.
That’s great Brooke!
Hey Nagi – dropping you a note from Washington DC to say that this recipe was an easy and delicious week-night dinner. Everybody dove in, including my teens and husband. Thanks so much!
That’s great! Thanks for the feedback Rebecca ❤️
Great recipe, liked this a lot, thanks! Made this a second time and reduced cumin to 1 tsp & paprika to 2 tsp and added 2 tbsp. of achiote paste, turned out yummy! (must like the flavor of achiote paste.)
Absolutely delicious! The whole family loved it. Such great flavours.
That’s great to hear Philippa!
This was so easy to make & sooo delicious. My 9 year old son asked for the leftovers the following day! I can’t seem to find taco shells here in Paris so made it with tortilla wraps. A family favourite.
Awesome Heidi, you nailed it!
Absolutely incredible! Such wonderful flavors. My husband loved this!
Absolutely Wonderful were the words that came out of my Husband and I agree!!!!! On the Quick Chicken Tacos with Sauce.
Hi Nagi,
The whole family loved this recipe and made us reminisce about a trip to Mexico.
I have a 100% success rate with your recipes.
thanks and say hi to Dozer
Kylie
I’m so glad this reminded you of Mexico! I LOVED Mexico 🙂 Dozer says WOOF! N x
Made this tonight and it was fantastic! I’m new to cooking and this is simply the best website I have found. Everything I have made has been amazing. THANK YOU
So glad you loved this Cat! Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it – N x
Yum. Looks great. Love saucy fillings. Been a while since I had hard shell tacos.
Thanks Alberto, you should definitely try it!
Nagi, you’ve done it again! Such a super quick dinner but oh so delicious! I can’t repeat what my husband said, but needless to say he’s a big fan of yours!
We are going to try the sauce with some slow cooked beef as can imagine that would be great too!
Ba ha ha! Potty mouth hubby?? 😂
Hi Nagi
the word “DEVOUR” can not explain what transpired last night at dinner when I got finished with this recipe. Everyone loved it.
We used tortillas last night and decided for next week to use tacos pitas and a local bread here in Jordan called Mashrouh.
Thanks for sharing it and look forward to send photos next week
Hady
Ha ha!! I love hearing that Hady! Look forward to seeing the photo 🙂 N x